(337) Evaluating Quality of Life and Satisfaction with Virtual Visits for Ventricular Assist Device Patients

• Published in: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. S160 - S161
• Main Authors: Meehan, K., Chinco, A., LaBuhn, C., Krystina, C., Okray, J., Rodgers, D., Kagan, V., Crieghton, S., Ohalloran, K., Moore, K., Jeevanandam, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.04.2023
• ISSN: 1053-2498; 1557-3117
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.1641

Patients supported on a ventricular assist device (VAD) require ongoing care and often need additional clinic visits or hospital readmissions to address their changing medical needs. Frequent encounters with health care providers can lead to a decreased quality of life. While studying a virtual VAD visit (VVV) model of care, we sought to evaluate both the quality of life and patient satisfaction in those undergoing virtual clinic visits compared to in-person clinic visits. A single center, prospective study, conducted from October 2020 to August 2022, included 70 patients randomized to virtual (34) or in-person (36) clinic visits. They were followed for one year after consent. Patients in the virtual arm were given a manual blood pressure cuff, doppler, and electronic tablet, accompanied by education for proper use. Virtual and in-person clinic visits were conducted in the same format. At the time of consent, both groups completed an abridged EQ5D quality of life survey. This was repeated one year later at study completion. The virtual VAD visit cohort completed an additional 5 question virtual visit satisfaction survey of their clinic experience. Quality of life was relatively similar pre and post one year follow up and across virtual and in-person groups (see Figure 1). VVV surveys were completed by 69% of participants. 72% of patients reported being “very satisfied” with virtual VAD visits. Patients reported the format of virtual visits to be uncomplicated and 72% of patients reported they “definitely will” schedule virtual VAD visits in the future. Implementation of a virtual VAD visit clinic model demonstrated no significant difference in quality of life for patients participating in this study. VAD patients found the virtual clinic visit platform efficient and reliable for their ongoing care. Further study is warranted.